US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited Panama to meet with President José Raúl Mulino to discuss security, defense, and migration cooperation. Hegseth's visit is framed within broader geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning China's growing influence in the Panama Canal region.
Hegseth views the Panama Canal as a vital strategic asset for US commerce and military projection, and he sees China's influence as a direct geopolitical threat. He highlights concerns about drug trafficking (particularly cocaine and fentanyl) through Panama as a major threat to US national security. He is also critical of US immigration policies, viewing irregular migration as a national security risk.
Hegseth's agenda included meetings with President Mulino, visits to the Panama Canal, the National Aeronaval Service (Senan) base, and Fort Sherman. He participated in the Central American Security Conference, focused on joint defense operations and cybersecurity. Joint military exercises, including "Panamax," involved US Marines training with Panamanian forces. The US deployed several naval and air assets. A US Marine band also provided cultural performances.